Businessman hit with hammer in front of children

A DUBLIN businessman is recovering from extensive head injuries after being subjected to a terrifying assault at his home.

Gardai are hunting down the ruthless gang who terrorised the businessman and his family, all for the sake of just €3,000.

Noel Connolly, who owns a painting and decorating company, was repeatedly beaten around the head with an iron bar and hammer in front of his wife, Sandra, and children.

The gang broke into his Georgian Village home in Castleknock in the early hours of Saturday morning. They forced the entire family out of their beds, grabbed Mr Connolly and hit him in the head with a hammer.

Mr Connolly was released from hospital having sustained multiple injuries in the attack.

The brave businessman said that the family are eager to put the whole incident behind them and said that they "want to be left in peace and left alone".

Detectives at Blanchardstown Garda station are investigating and have appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Georgian Village area between midnight and 3am to contact them on 01 666700.